The pressure to be greener is building. It’s coming from the NHS and optical bodies, from the public and, most importantly, from the planet itself. NHS England has announced a goal of reducing all the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions it is able to influence to net zero by 2045 (NHS England, 2022). NHS Scotland and NHS Wales are aiming for 2040 and 2030 respectively. If these aims are to be achieved, then every service – including those commissioned from the private sector – must play its part. 

Membership organisations across optometry are also increasingly concerned about sustainability and have released a joint statement of intent, with bodies representing practitioners, practice owners and suppliers supporting its aims (COptom, 2022). 

Colin Davidson FCOptom, immediate past President of the College, says the climate crisis will affect all of us. “We’re committed to working with key optical bodies and our members to make a real difference,” he says.